GALLE, June 20 – The National People’s Power (NPP), known locally as Malimawa, has teamed up with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to secure control of the Galle Municipal Council, which lacked a clear majority until now.
As a result of this new alliance, NPP’s Sunil Gamage of Halvitigala was elected Mayor of Galle through a secret ballot, while former Mayor Priyantha Sahabandu was unanimously elected as Deputy Mayor.
This coalition effectively defeated Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Mohamed Mawsuf Mohamed, who had contested for the mayoral post.
Due to no party securing more than 50% representation, the selection process was overseen by Southern Province Commissioner of Local Government Erandi Umanga Mandis, who convened the councillors today (20) to vote.
Only two candidates were nominated for Mayor — Sunil Gamage from the NPP and Mohamed Mawsuf Mohamed from the SJB. A dispute arose over whether the vote should be open or by secret ballot. While most parties favored an open vote, the NPP demanded a secret ballot. The Commissioner ruled in favor of a secret vote after a majority of councillors supported the proposal via marked paper slips.
Nineteen members voted in favor of a secret ballot, while 17 preferred an open vote, leading to heightened tensions. A heated argument ensued between councillors from the SJB, UNP, and SLPP, particularly directed at Priyantha Sahabandu.
As chaos erupted in the chamber, Commissioner Mandis temporarily adjourned the session for 30 minutes and summoned police officers for security. When the session resumed, councillors from the SJB, UNP, and SLPP were notably absent. The voting proceeded in their absence.
In the end, Sunil Gamage secured 19 votes to become Mayor, while the SJB candidate received none. One vote was rejected. Following this, the council unanimously appointed former Mayor Priyantha Sahabandu as Deputy Mayor.
